Paul Scholes has turned down the chance to join Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville on David Moyes’ coaching staff at Manchester United.

New Old Trafford boss Moyes wanted to add Scholes to his backroom staff after recruiting the midfielder’s former team-mates this summer, but the 38-year-old intends to take a short break from football to spend more time with his family.

Moyes also revealed that former first team coach Rene Meulensteen was not sacked and it was the Dutchman’s decision to leave.

“I wanted to make sure I had connections to what happened here,” Moyes explained. “I spoke to Paul Scholes as well. He wants to have some time off with his family.

“Paul was fantastic with me and wanted to help a lot. I probably spent an hour or two on the phone with him. He wants to spend time with his family at the moment. We’ll bring him in when he’s ready.

“I also spoke with Rene [Meulensteen] but he wanted to move on. So then the obvious choice was Ryan.

“He’s an incredible footballer. To get him and Phil Neville together. I wanted to make sure I had some young members of staff behind me as well.”

United head off on their pre-season tour next week, beginning with a match against the Singha All Star XI in Bangkok on July 13.